Senior Center At Risk of Closing
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WHITEVILLE, Tenn- Local seniors are rallying together to stop their senior center from being shut down by the state. “It’s like home,” said Willie Kay McGuire, 89, a long-time attendee of the Whiteville Senior Center. The state is threatening to close the center down because of low attendance. “I’m by myself,” said another attendee, Ossie Norment. “I love coming here and being around people.” Officials at Southwest Human Resource Agency said it could all come an end if more seniors do not start attending consistently. The agency provides food and pays rent so local seniors can gather Monday through Friday. But soon, funding cuts could force regulars to find a new place to socialize. “I wouldn’t know what I would do if this place closed,” said McGuire. Officials said at least 20 seniors have to be served everyday for at least six months or they will be required to discontinue services. They said they are working with the center’s site manager to recruit more seniors.
